The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas continues to escalate, with hundreds of Palestinians reported killed in the last 24 hours due to Israeli strikes. The Israeli army has advanced further into the Gaza Strip, with incursions into the south following attacks in the north. The Israeli forces are now present in the Khan Younis, Jabalya, and Shejaiya regions. Many Palestinians in southern Gaza, who had moved from the north for safety, now have limited safe places to flee.
Hamas has stated that captive-prisoner swap talks will not resume until the Israeli onslaught ends. This comes as the future of the truce looks bleak with Israel continuing its intensive attacks on the Gaza Strip. The United States, Qatar, and Egypt are working on a longer truce, and Hamas is demanding the release of hostages as part of a permanent ceasefire.
In a recent development, the Biden administration has imposed visa restrictions on extremist settlers from Israel and Palestinians involved in actions that undermine peace and stability in the West Bank. This move is seen as an attempt to curb the escalating violence in the region.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that the military will retain security control over Gaza even after the war against Hamas ends. Netanyahu has also accused Hamas of committing sexual and gender-based crimes. Family members of Israeli hostages have met with Netanyahu, expressing disappointment with the government's efforts.
The IDF has issued an apology for the killing of a Lebanese soldier and injuring three others during a strike targeting Hezbollah militants. The UN's top aid official has made a statement about the devastating Israeli military campaign in southern Gaza, creating 'apocalyptic' conditions and ending any possibility of meaningful humanitarian operations.
The World Food Programme (WFP) says renewed fighting between Israel and Hamas has intensified the hunger crisis in Gaza. Pro-Palestinian protesters rallied outside the offices of Hollywood heavyweights United Talent Agency (UTA) and Metro Goldwyn Mayer (MGM) in Beverly Hills, alleging censorship of actors and artists who speak out against Israeli military action in Gaza.
Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai has called for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, while British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has expressed his disappointment about the breakdown of the pause in fighting in Gaza.